Hide and Seek Pepper!

Technically, Pepper wasn't playing a game. She just wanted a place to take a nap. *g* Why she chose a half empty water flat is a question I can't answer, but she enjoyed the tent like covering and smacked Butterscotch when he decided he wanted her spot. *G* It's hard to imagine our lives without Pepper, she brings us such joy every day.

I haven't done a lot today, but am exhausted tonight! Son has had a few mishaps today. And his allergies didn't help. It was also pretty warm today.  It was so not his day. Poor baby. We headed out grocery shopping this afternoon so we could try and avoid a lot of the traffic. We made it to Aldi, Sam's and WW in about 3 hours. It would have been a lot longer, but Chris was at work. *G* I love the man but he makes grocery shopping drag on and take almost twice the time than when it's just the kids and I. No sooner had I arrived home and picked up the first bag to bring in the house, than Chris called to find out where we were so he could meet us. He was surprised we were already finished. HA! One thing I did not like grocery shopping today, prices are rising at an alarming rate.
By the time I was done putting everything away (the kids deserted me for their friends and outside), I was very tired and had to sit down. So, dinner tonight was something quick and easy.
Reading-wise? I'm still reading the Cici McNair book, the memoir of a Female Private Investigator. It's really very interesting. Oh, and I finished Fast Women by Jennifer Crusie last night, too. Tonight? I still have some of the McNair book and a few other choices after that. After I take care of a few loads of laundry, of course.

That's all from me tonight. I am seriously trying not to slump over in my chair I'm so tired. I hope y'all had a fun Friday. I wish an amusing and exciting Saturday for y'all. (Cross your fingers the kids do well in their demonstration tomorrow, please.) Goodnight and Sweet Dreams, B.

Exercise: Grocery shopping. Trust me, I got my weights in today with 2 twenty pound bags of cat food, 40 pounds of litter, a flat of water and a watermelon.......... and on and on.....

Sleeping Deep!

This is Son; as I walked in to wake him up for Saturday to get ready to take his Green Belt test. Note the feet handing off the bed. *G* He was deep asleep. As a matter of fact I had to wake him up three different times until he finally crawled out of bed. Silly Son. *g*

Another busy day here. We had to run by the library (again) to pick up my inter-library loan. I now have Detectives Don't Wear Seatbelts by Cici McNair. It's a memoir of a female P.I.. After that we headed to the kids MA class at the other Y. Unfortunately their teacher, for whom these classes are a second job, was running late today and we had the same fill in as the last time. AND I was informed the Y would like the kids from the "Karate School" to perform a demonstration at a Spring Fling this Saturday. It's not that I mind the kids doing it. I don't. I do wish the Y would get their act together a bit to inform or ask parents about this more than 3 days in advance, though. Heck, an email about it would have nice! And yes, the kids will perform. *g*
We then headed to our regular Y to meet Chris to work out. He got off early today, normally a nice thing, except that means he gets there at the same time as we do and we start working out at the same time and that means I have to shorten my workout for him because he doesn't work out as long as I do or do weights, either. Add in the fact that two of the Y's bikes were broken, leaving only two working and both those were taken? Yeah, not the most happy beginning to my work out. I walked a bit on a treadmill until one of the bikes was free and then practically jumped off and staked my claim on the bike. *g* (My feet have been painful all day and walking was not helping.) After our workouts we headed home where we had an old Southern dinner. With a twist. We had porkchops and pinto beans with cornbread. but instead of frying the pork chops we grilled them. YUM! *g* Of course I had chow-chow with mine. Chris won't eat it. *G* Which is actually funny considering my Mom didn't really know how to cook "Southern" before she married my Dad (he had to teach her how to fry squash and okra-ewww, dislike okra.) and Chris grew up in a household with red-eye gravy. (I'd never heard of that before I married him.) Isn't it weird the culinary things two people who may have been raised in the same state have experienced differently?

As for reading? Well, I forgot to mention that I reread Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie earlier this week and Tuesday night before my library visit the next day had started Fast Women by Jennifer Crusie. I'm almost finished with it, but did start the McNair book I picked up today while the kids were in their MA class. *g* It's actually quite interesting. I feel blessed to have all these library books this week. Oh, and last night I did read My Boyfriends Dogs: tales of Adam and Eve and Shirley by Dandi Daley Mackall, the YA. It was a cute book and I enjoyed it. So, I have been reading, and rereading, this week.

That's all from me. It's been a long day and I'm tired. I hope y'all had a lovely Thursday. I wish a funny and enjoyable Friday for y'all. Goodnight, B.

Exercise: .70 miles on treadmill @ 5 incline and 3.5 speed, 10.75 miles on bike @ level 10. No weights this time, darnit. Chris owes me big.

Getting Over It

So the picture thing from last night? Seems to be different and almost back to normal today. Too weird.  Layla looks as puzzled as I did.

I'm almost done with my pity party. It's more like a little bit depressed. I know I'm lucky with my family and the great people I've met online.
Today has been okay. We had errands to run and then we headed by the library for Daughter to take care of her volunteer work. It helped that I had books in, and that Son had a movie in and could finish his schoolwork up there.
After that we headed to the Y where I had Zumba and afterwards we went swimming as a family after Chris arrived.
All in all it's been a decent day. Well, except when Daughter was playing keep away with Son at the pool and hit a total stranger with it. In the head. *sigh* I packed everyone up then and we headed home. (AFTER apologizing profusely!)

At the Library I picked up:
My Boyfriend's Dogs: the tales of Adam and Eve and Shirley by Dandi Daley Mackall (a YA and NTMA)
Pretty in Plaid by Jen Lancaster (a reread)
Saving CeeCee Honeycutt: a novel by Beth Hoffman (NTMA)
Savor the Moment by Nora Roberts
Sunrise in a Garden of Love and Evil by Barbara Monajem (NTMA)

(NTMA= New to me author)

Anyway, I hope y'all had a great Wednesday. I wish a pleasing Thursday for y'all. Goodnight and God Bless, B.

Exercise: 1 hour of Zumba, 1 hour swimming.

ARGH!

Blogger has added a new feature for pictures. It's taken Chris showing me how this new way works, plus the new way is still having problems for me to post this picture of adorable Pepper hanging out on my bed while I was ironing Sunday.
 It's been an aggravating day. I'm having a pity party right now. I'm sincerely hoping tomorrow is a better.  Back tomorrow. Maybe.
Blessings, B.

Exercise: 45 minutes of TurboKick, 20 minutes of Yoga. *sigh*

Fireball likes to walk on the wild side. He likes to eat anything he can get his mouth around, or at least try to eat them. This includes wires, string and rubber bands. Here he is atop my cabinets watching a moth circle the kitchen light. Need I tell y'all he actually tried to step off INTO SPACE to catch the moth? He almost fell and freaked me out, but caught himself just in time.

Today was Daughter's Fifteenth Birthday. Unfortunately for Daughter she still had schoolwork. Yes, I could have given her the day off, but regular school children have to go to school on their birthdays, so we treated that part of the day like a regular Monday. Now for a History lesson. Mine and Daughter's that is. I had to be induced with Daughter and I'll filter all those details (I STILL won't let Chris tell me how big the needle was for an epidural.), but the most important detail, is the fact that I actually was in a position to choose Daughter's Birthdate. She was born at 11:59pm and some seconds. The nurse asked me if I wanted her Birthdate to be the 26th or the 27th. I told her I'd started on the 26th and that's when we were finishing it. So, if you want to be really, really technical Daughter's Birthday is only a few seconds long. *G* We tease her about this every year. *G* We're a teasing family, but all in good fun. As a matter of fact when Chris lit her candles on her cake this evening I took out the fire extinguisher from under the sink cabinet. She cracked up laughing. What? We're a odd family. Oh, and her cake? Vanilla cake layered with chocolate ganache and covered with ganache as well. She requested it. *g* She enjoyed her cake with her bookstore gift card, Linkin Park t-shirt and crystal hoop earrings. *g* As a matter of fact, she popped the earring right on. *G* She had her favorite dinner and tells me she had a good day. She also wanted to say THANK YOU for all the Birthday well wishing. Every time someone commented here or on facebook, I'd read her the comments and she would smile wide. So, please let me say Thank You, too. Y'all helped make Daughter's birthday a good day.

WARNING! SKIP THIS PART! I NEED TO VENT.
I left Daughter and Son home earlier this evening with Chris and headed to Yoga. I won't say much except I enjoyed class and just wish I showed some signs of improvement from last year. *sigh* As a matter of fact, I'm barely treading water work-out-wise. I can't seem to increase my endurance or lose weight. It's driving me crazy. I'm almost used to the fact that the kids and Chris will now complete my sentences for me because I can't remember the names of things. And those are just a few of the things driving me batty. Add in stress that is threatening to suffocate me sometimes and is it any wonder I'm so darn tired and anxious all the time?

OKAY TO READ NOW!
I haven't even had a chance to read today. I've spent this evening trying to find Son a new Bo Kata to perform at their tournament next month. And earlier this afternoon I took care of the non-fun part of homeschooling. Paperwork. Ugh. And now? It's too late and I need to get some sleep. I'm hoping tomorrow will work out better for reading. And though I have two library books left to read, I am trying to resist the urge to grab a keeper off my shelves. What would y'all do? Keeper shelf book, or library book?

Anyway, that's all from me. I hope y'all had a spectacular Monday. I wish a terrific Tuesday for y'all. Goodnight, B.

Exercise: 1 hour Yoga.

An interesting day.

WARNING THIS IS A BORING POST!
I LOVE these flowers. They make me smile and even maybe laugh a little. MIL has a whole big bush of them in her front yard and I found myself drawn to them this afternoon. I couldn't stop looking at them and smiling or touching them. (They feel so soft!) MIL clipped off two branches and gave them to me to bring home. I think I'm going to have to find a bush of these of my own. The flowers look like little pom-poms or snowballs. As a matter of fact the common name of this plant is called Japanese Snowballs. *G* And while I could leave them out to look at while we were downstairs this evening, I had to put the vase with these in them out in the garage while we sleep tonight.
Before heading to the Out-laws this afternoon Chris replaced the screen for our sliding screen door. Over the years the cats have climbed it enough where we had a few holes and while at first I had no faith Chris could replace the screen he surprised me and did a great job!
After that we headed to the Out-laws for dinner. See, yesterday (Saturday, I'm posting late.) was FIL's (70th) Birthday and tomorrow (technically today, Monday) is Daughter's (15th)Birthday. So, the dinner was a get together with us and the Out-laws and SIL&BIL. While the food wasn't that good, okay it was awful. The conversation was nice. *g* MIL sent us home with leftovers (ewwww!) and the cuttings above along with a tomato (YUM!) and a bucket full of Monkey Grass. (And since I let her show me all the plants blooming or getting ready to bloom in her side garden and Chris, Daughter and I tossed a football around in their backyard I also came home with about 5 mosquito bites. *g* They didn't bite ANYONE else but me. Hello? There's something wrong with that.
Not long after we arrived home we planted most of the monkey grass MIL sent us home with. We ringed the mailbox and the River Birch tree in the front yard with them.
When it became too dark we headed inside (Me with two more mosquito bites. I hate mosquitos.) and I took care of the ironing. It's been a rather busy weekend and that's meant no reading for me. I'm actually looking forward to a return to our routine, though tomorrow is special. Fifteen years ago my 'munchkin' was born. I am so proud to be her Mom. She's talented, funny, pretty, poised and while we may not see eye to eye all the time, I love her very much. I just hope she remembers that the next time she gets in trouble! *G*
That's all from me. It's late and I'm tired. Son is coughing and his nose is dripping which is why I'm up late. He's having trouble sleeping and has the "bucket" nearby. Poor baby.
I hope y'all had a good weekend. I wish a pleasing return to the start of the week.
Goodnight, B.

A Proud Moment!

I think I may have been more nervous than the kids today when they went to test. I barely slept last night and was scared that Son wouldn't do well. I was stressed out through the whole test, which took an hour and a half. Son kept looking over to his sister, whether for reassurance from her or more likely to make sure he was doing everything correctly. It's a bad habit that we hadn't even realized we (me, Chris, the teacher and even Daughter) have perpetuated. We've constantly told Son to watch Daughter to see how she's doing something and now he can't seem to stop! *g* But, when Son was forced to do certain maneuvers on his own, he did well. Right now he has to gain confidence in himself. I think today helped.

I know that the teacher wasn't as hard on them as he could have been. Mostly because this was their first testing with him as their teacher. Can y'all see Son looking at Daughter?
At the end of testing I wasn't sure, but was hopeful, that BOTH kids would receive their belts. And grinned from ear to ear as my eyes fills with proud tears as their teacher had them take off their orange belts and lay them down on the floor and step over them as a sign of what they were leaving behind. Even Chris was grinning. As for these pictures? Chris wanted to try out the camera today so these pictures are courtesy of him. We have a couple where the kids faces were clear and I try and protect their privacy so didn't post those. Not to mention somehow Chris didn't get a good clear one with them wearing their green belts. *G* And even in sport mode with quick shutter there are more than a few of them that are blurry because the kids were moving so fast. Especially when Daughter was sparring with her teacher. *g*
After testing we treated the kids to lunch and headed home for a bit. I took care of a few household things and then we headed to Mass.
After Mass we headed home where the meat we had taken out wasn't defrosted so we had to make a hasty change of plans on what to cook for dinner. Oh, well. In our refrigerator is should be defrosted by Monday. Tuesday at the latest. *g* (Or fridge is not set that low, but drinks set toward the back will grow ice crystals. *g*) We then set down and watched Whip It. Well, Chris, myself and Daughter did. Son played with Legos. The movie was cute. Daughter and I have decided we wouldn't mind seeing a Roller Derby match.
As for reading? I haven't had a chance to read today. We've been so busy when gone and even when home for the past couple of days. Tomorrow promises to be more of the same. We're supposed to attend a cook-out at the Out-laws that none of us want to go to (If there's anything as bad as MIL cooking it's FIL grilling.) We're hoping the rain we've had for the past day and now all night will end that plan. That's awful of us, isn't it? *sigh* Probably.
Anyway, that's it from me. The lack of sleep for the week and last night coupled with allergies from Hades that have Son and I coughing and congested and it's time for bed.

I hope y'all had a pleasing Saturday. I wish a Blessed Sunday for y'all. Goodnight and Sweet Dreams, B.

Exercise: Stress doesn't count? *sigh*

Pretty as a picture!

Pepper is growing into such a pretty girl. Her fur is shiny and soft and her eyes are large and clear. She is sweet as can be and silly, too. She loves to play with ice and waits for everyone to wake up in the morning at the top of the stairs. She'll go down with Chris and then after he leaves for work she waits on me and the kids. And one of her quirks (besides very bad eyesight) is that we have a reproduction old rotary looking phone that has an old fashioned ring to it, every time it rings she runs for it and starts to chirp at it. *G*

I've been flat out tired all day, so I'm not sure how long this post will be. After schoolwork and Friday testing the kids and I headed to the library for Daughter to attend a Teen Writing Workshop. While she was in the workshop Son and I looked around and tried to find something to do. Daughter did well, very well, and was complimented on her writing by the person giving the workshop. She let me read the two Haikus she wrote and also the writing exercise she wrote as well. I thought they were both very good and show talent. I'm so proud of her.
After the library the kids and I headed home to meet Chris and head to Target to find some shoes for Son. I decided to try Converse for him because they are made differently, and a bit better with their rubber toe, than his usual type of tennies. He liked them alot and we ended up picking up a black pair for him. I felt a bit freaked out knowing my 8yr old Son is now wearing a size 5 in youth and that's with about a half size for growth. I'm hoping these shoes last a little bit longer than his last pair, which he had destroyed the tread and sides on.
We then headed home and have watched the kids practice for their green belt test tomorrow. I think Daughter will do well, but Son? He's reached a stage in his growth where his balance is being thrown off because he's growing so fast and while he has the memory of an elephant, I'm worried he'll become too nervous and not do well. And if he doesn't do well I'm worried he'll cry and I hate when my baby cries. Not to mention I don't want this to discourage him from continuing on. *sigh*
I had picked up a book by a new-to-me author at the library, that I'd had on hold because another book by the same author had sounded good. However, I didn't like the book. The language and style of writing just weren't to my taste. Which is why I'm not mentioning the author or either book.
I'm feeling a bit down and exhausted so this is it for me tonight. The stress of everything going on is causing me to tear up and is making me a tad depressed and I need to find something cheerful or happy like petting a cat or a favorite keeper book, or just get some sleep.
I hope y'all had an enjoyable and laugh filled Friday. I wish an amusing and excellent Saturday for y'all. Goodnight and Blessings, B.

Exercise: day off.

Danger Kitty!

Daughter took this picture of loony-cat, I mean Butterscotch, the other evening. I can't tell you how many times he (or Fireball) jump up there and make us nervous with how they'll look over the edge towards the stairs and landing down below. (This bannister is right outside our bedroom at the top of the stairs.) What's even scarier than that is the weird rolling around thing he'll do if you stand below and talk to him. It makes us nervous, but we can't seem to stop!

This is the first chance I've gotten to get online this evening. I only ten minutes on this afternoon to check emails and such before we had to head out today. After the kids were done with schoolwork we had to run out and leave for Karate early because I needed to go by the library and pick up The Burning Lamp by Amanda Quick and also Whip It , a movie based on the book Derby Girl by Shauna Cross. (I now have the book on hold as I didn't know the movie was based upon a book. Funny, right? *G*) After the library we headed to purchase some fuel and then run by the bank to grab some cash to pay for the kids belt testing on Saturday. We finally headed to Karate and were almost there when we hit road work with a detour. I was really, really steamed because there was no advance notice up the road about the road work or detour and I was forced to use an access road to turn around in. Ack. We still made it on time, but only because we had made good time in traffic for a change. Do things like that throw y'all for a loop? Because when we left later I could not, at first anyway, remember yet another detour to go around the road work and only by pure chance did I flash back to driving through the town when I was a teenager. It seemed to take forever to get to the other Y so I could meet Chris and work out. Only. Chris wasn't there yet. He was running late. And by running late I mean he doesn't quite know how but he became a bit sucked into watching 1,000 Ways to Die on Spike (satellite/cable channel). I could have smacked him! At that point in the day I was tired, hot, aggravated and did I mention tired? And I was still there, working out. (I gave up waiting for him and started my work out.) However, I did fuss at him a smidge and then tell him if he wanted to learn a new 1,000th way to die, he could be late again because of the tv and I could show him. *g* No worries, I was teasing.
I did learn something disturbing today. Son's shoes need to replaced. His feet grew again! Good golly! I joked with Daughter that he'd look like he was wearing flippers if this kept up. She laughed and said that it was as almost as bad as her growing again. I laughed. She then informed me she really does think she's growing again. GAH! *sigh* I can never keep up.
Did I tell y'all that Chris will be starting his Doctorate in August? Yup, my professional student starts his very last class for his Master's next week and then he's taking a few months off before starting. However, with the Doctorate comes some issues. One of which is that he will have to do a "Residency" for a week in either Pheonix, AZ or Washington, DC. He's opted for Washington, DC just so he won't have to fly and can drive up. However, his work will not cover the cost of the hotel or gas or food. So, we're fronting the bill for everything for that week. And I? Am freaking out. It's going to cost a small fortune around the same time we pay for the kids Curriculum. So, say a prayer or two we can juggle everything please, as I'm freaking out and stressed out over it already.
Oh, as for reading? I finished the Karen Hawkins book, Lois Lane Tells All. And today I started and finished Dear Neighbor, Drop Dead by Saralee Rosenberg. The book just sucked me in and I couldn't put it down. I read while the kids were at Karate, I read on the bike at the Y. I read while Chris made the chicken to go with our salad (It was his turn to cook.) I read after dinner. And I kept reading until the last page. *g* I can say it helped curtail my online time today. As I am now online, late, only after I've finished it. I looked up the author to see if she had anything new out. No such luck. I've already read two other of her book and have placed yet another on Inter-Library Loan. *g* Next up? I'm not sure yet.

Well, that's all from me. My brain is much tonight. A busy day and a good book will do that to me. *g* I hope y'all were blessed with good books and good times today. I wish a fun and enjoyable Friday for y'all. Goodnight, B.
P.S. Please don't forget Devon and Elsa the Kitty in your prayers.

Exercise: 11 miles on the bike @ level 10, (I backslid on a level from 11 last week, but I was tired. Back up next time.)  and weight machines.

Photogenic Kitty!

Isn't she cute? Layla isn't fond of me taking pictures all the time, but how could I resist this face? And those pretty eyes? Really, it's like she was asking me to take her picture! *g*

It's been a rather slow and uneventful day. The kids tackled their schoolwork  and this evening we headed to the Y for yet another Zumba class for me. Daughter likes to sit in the class and listen to the music while Son goes to ChildWatch. Chris was supposed to work out this evening, but hit heavy traffic on the way home. He's promised me he'll do a something before bed. We'll see how that goes. *g*
After Zumba the kids and I headed home where we met Chris, though on the way saw the weirdest sight. A guy wearing desert BDU pants and boots and a flak vest running up the sidewalk. It was just odd. Especially considering I'd just seen two of our city (HA! More like a town, but okay.) cops turning off further up the road. And then I noticed that where I usually turn to cross the railroad tracks? There was a train there. STOPPED. It was odd. I tried to find something about it on the news when we arrived home, but there was no information. It could have been related, or just a coincidence. But, I'm a curious person......  I want to know. I need to know. *g*

As for reading? I am about two chapters away from finished the Karen Hawkins book. I've enjoyed it, though it was a bit hotter than I had anticipated. I was glad to read a contemporary. I like paranormals and mysteries and urban fantasy and Sci-Fi/Fantasy. But, I've noticed that the contemporary market has been shrinking a bit over the years and I miss it. What about y'all? Which genre do you prefer? Do you think MM Contemporaries releases have been shrinking? That said, I have Amanda Quick's (aka Jayne Ann Krentz aka Jayne Castle) new Historical release, The Burning Lamp waiting for me to pick up at the library tomorrow. *g* In the meantime, when I finish the Hawkins book, I'll be picking one of the three library books I picked up yesterday. My library has been amazing this week and I am so very grateful!

And that's all from me this evening. I'm resting my feet before I have to take care of a few things and am going to enjoy CSI:NY first. *G* I hope y'all had a low-key and happy Wednesday. I wish a thoughtful and thankful Thursday for y'all. Goodnight and Hugs, B.

P.S. Devon has heard some devastating news regarding her beloved tortie kitty Elsa this week. Please keep her and Elsa in your prayers.

Exercise: 1 hour Zumba. And my feet are in pain to prove it.

Stalker Kitty Strikes!

My stalker kitty is crazy. The warmer weather has caused little bugs to fly around outside again and every once in a while one will get in the house (Moths and such.) We never have to worry about it, though. Oreo will stalk them... to death. Here she is trying to CLIMB the lamp that sits on the table between my and Chris' chairs. See the focused look? The crazy eyes? Do you want to know how many times she's knocked that lamp over? *g* What y'all can't see in this picture is either Chris or myself holding the lamp so it doesn't tip over. *g*

Another routine day. I so like those. *g* The kids and I left a few minutes early today to run by the library and pick up a few of my holds that had come in. I now have: Dear Neighbor, Drop Dead by Saralee Rosenberg, Spellbent by Lucy A. Snider (new to me author), and I scream, You Scream: a mystery a la mode by Wendy Lyn Watson. Also, I'm currently a third into Lois Lane Tells All by Karen Hawkins. I miswrote last night that I was reading the first book and I meant this book, the second book. Oops. Must. Remember. To. Proofread. *g*
After MA the kids (Almost forgot to tell y'all! The kids will be testing for their greenbelts in Saturday! Cross your fingers, please.)  headed to a local grocery store. I don't know if y'all have had this problem, but here Ibuprofen is in short supply and WW hasn't had any in a while and Target has only had small bottles. Because of my feet and wrists I use ibuprofen almost daily. And we were out. Luckily the grocery store had some, in a bit larger bottle. While there I picked up a snack for the kids and then we headed back to the Y for my class. While I was in class Chris took care of a couple of errands for me. (Birthday errands for Daughter.) No worries, though. He was able to work out today! His company had a kickball/field trip to a local Minor League Baseball field and played kickball and were treated to lunch. They even gave the participants baseball jerseys. Chris looks cute in his. *G* Though he's going to owe me for the grass stains he put on his jeans. *g*
And all through the day? Gray clouds, drizzle and rain. *sigh* I miss the sun.

Time for me to head offline. Can I ask a question right quick? Am I annoying in my online presenceor just plain annoying? I don't mean to be, but worried than I am. And yes, I am insecure, why do you ask? *g*

Anyway, I hope y'all had a terrific Tuesday. I wish a wonderful and maybe wacky Wednesday for y'all tomorrow. Goodnight and Blessings, B.

Exercise: 20 minutes of yoga before the kids MA class. We were early the aerobic room was empty, 'nuff said. 1 hour of Zumba.

Complicated creativity!

This is the frame I was telling y'all about yesterday. Yes, I know the pictures aren't straight. It's not easy to get them straight inside the glass and we need to take it back down and attempt to fix it. *g* But, overall, what do y'all think? The top picture is of one of our roses from last summer. The middle picture is one of our favorites from one of our hiking treks and the last picture is of our flowering crab apple taken a few weeks ago.

Another Monday! YAY! No, really. I like Mondays. It's back to our routine with schoolwork, yoga, DWTS and Castle. Not to mention Chris goes back to work. *G* When he's underfoot I'm more stressed out. But, I do love him. *g*
After tackling schoolwork I felt a bit unsettled and it wasn't time to leave for the Y and yoga quite yet, so I vacuumed, folded laundry, packed Chris a gym bag, and made sure we had everything needed before we left. There are times when I just want to do something physical and that was one of those times.
As for reading? I finished the Siri L. Mitchell book. I may look up another book of hers. Next up is Talk of the Town by Karen Hawkins. I picked it up at Target because my library was dragging it's feet and I was impatient. Ooops. I'll probably start that at bedtime tonight. *g*

After Yoga this evening we all trooped home and I made dinner. The nice part was that this time I only had to cook. Chris cleaned up for me for a change.

It's been a regular day. And I'm glad. I hope y'all had as happy a return to a routine Monday. I wish a terrific and smile filled Tuesday for y'all. Goodnight, B.

Exercise: 1 hour Yoga.

Kitties and boxes!

I don't know what exactly it is with cats and boxes, but it makes me smile to make them happy. I'm sure y'all can tell that this box is the base of a flat of waters, when we finish a flat the cats take over the box and I let them keep it until I end up with three or more of them.  (That's about when my organization and "I don't like mess" attitude kicks in and I throw a couple into the recycle bin.)

My feet hurt so badly after yesterday I asked Chris to help make me stay off them as much today. It drove me crazy to sit still so long! I am one of those people who go until they fall down and really need to learn to slow down and pace myself a bit. *g* Easier said than done. For me anyway. *g* I rested for a bit and then did some laundry. And then made a bookmark using what looks like an old fashioned rice paper sales tag. I was just going to stamp it, but that didn't work out so well. Instead I colored that in and wrote "Loves Books, Loves to Read" and put some ribbon through the hole. It isn't very pretty, but it works well. See, I am usually a corner folder. I have gorgeous bookmarks I've been gifted with, but set down and forget about and end up either folding the cover down or using a handy piece of paper. Which what I'm sure what will happen with the bookmark I made today. However, it gave me something to do! *g*
I can't remember if I told y'all about the frame I purchased early last month to place in the corner vacated by selling the armoire? It's a long, vertical frame meant to hold 3 pictures sized 5x7. However, we only had 4x6 photo printer paper and I didn't want to spend the almost $10 for more photo paper. So yesterday we stopped into Hobby Lobby (LOVE that store!) (It was next to the Target we went to yesterday.) And I had the idea to use opaque scrapbooking paper to back the pictures as each sits in the glass. It cost about $1.50. (Score one for practicality and creativity!) Today we printed out three nature pictures taken by me over the last year and printed them out, set them against the paper and put them in the frame. It all came out very pretty. I'll post a picture of the framed pictures (seems a bit weird to type that) tomorrow. I can say two of the pictures were taken with our old camera and one with the new and you can REALLY see the difference in the sharpness of the pictures. (Even though the older camera is a 12.1 megapixel!)
At first Chris suggested putting pictures of the cats in the frame. However, I thought it would be hard to choose three different cats to highlight, not to mention (and yes, I know this sounds ludicrous), I wouldn't want any of the others to feel left out. Then we thought about the kids, but while we have pictures of the kids we couldn't decide which ones to use and thought a theme would be better. So, we decided to get more frames so we could pick pictures of the kids for those! *G*
After that Chris said he thought of doing some type of physical activity (I KNOW, I was SHOCKED!) and I suggested a walk. (We used to walk all the time when he was in the military.) We somehow trusted the kids who were inside playing with the Wii and headed out throughout the neighborhood. May I just say our neighborhood isn't flat? Oh, no, we have hills. Lots of hills. *g* But, we had fun together and it was interesting to see how the other home owners in our subdivision have landscaped and decorated their homes.
After we arrived home Chris jumped at the chance to play on the Wii with the kids and I baked a lemon cake. And folded laundry. And weeded the veggie garden. What? I was RESTING. As much as I am able. Oh, and I read a bit after dinner, too. All in all, it's been a good day.

I hope y'all had just as an enjoyable day as we did. I wish a stress-free and pleasant Monday for y'all. Goodnight and Sweet Dreams, B.

Exercise: We walked for about 30-40 minutes, does that count?

How many idioms would describe this?

I keep telling y'all he's crazy. But, y'all just think he's pretty. And he is. But, as this picture demonstrates he's also bats in the belfry crazy!

A rather slow day here today. I had many errands I wanted to do today but between the kids and Chris I only made it to one store late this afternoon. *sigh* I should have left them here and just gone on my own, but that would have upset Chris.
I have done laundry, flipped and turned the bed and done almost two hours of ironing. I also couldn't think of what I wanted to read, so grabbed a keeper off the shelves. It is cute book and light enough in mood to make the afternoon pleasant.
We did head to Target this evening. WW doesn't sell the organic cleaner I use, so I had to make a special trip. It's not like the kids minded once we were there. *g* Daughter informed me once we were there that she needed new sandals. Already. *sigh* Seems she's already wearing out the cheapies we bought her. I had no idea they were so poorly constructed, but she basically wore down the heels. So, we bought her a new pair. It was a lucky occurrence they had her size. I found a pair I really liked (I need a pair for my navy dress and denim skirt) and didn't make my heels hurt (which, my feet are killing me today), but will wait a couple of weeks to get them. Hopefully they'll still have them!
This evening we had what I call tv dinner night. We each pick a dinner from either the frozen food section, or an easy fix thing. I? Hate frozen dinners, so don't pick one. I ended up having roast beef and french bread. Not exactly together in a sandwich, but it all mixes together and ends up like that anyway, right? *G*
And this is where I leave y'all. It's been a quiet evening. I hope y'all enjoyed your Saturday. I wish a peaceful Sunday for y'all. Goodnight, B.

Exercise: Ha! Tried to take it a bit easy today.

No Layla, you're not difficult at all.....

It's not like I wanted to look around on-line our anything the other afternoon. Notice how she's not only in front of my computer, but partially ON the computer.    That made it quite hard to use the mouse to reach my favorites list. Moments before this picture was taken she was lying on my hand and arm. *g*

I have been tired today. I think most of the week finally caught up with me.
However, today was grocery shopping day. Yay. *sigh* I managed to get the kids out of here early enough that we avoided most of the traffic this evening. But, the weather while sunny, was also VERY warm. We made it to 83 degrees with a feels like of 90 and yes, it really did feel like 90 degrees out. Now, I like warm weather, but can't handle hot. We did good, though. We made it to Aldi, Sam's and WW and then home and put everything away within three hours. We even stopped and visited Chris for a few minutes first. *g* Daughter even helped a bit today. I think she realized I was tired, I don't know why, but I was grateful. *g*

After arriving home I put everything away and the kids WASHED MY JEEP! I kid you not! I was shocked, surprised and okay a little suspicious. But, they didn't ask for anything, so I appreciate it. I folded some laundry and put it away and then? Sat. The heat today and the rush we were in on top of being tired made me feel sick. A sinus headache didn't help. The pollen around here is showing no signs of abating and I couldn't handle it today. Son was bothered after playing outside this evening, too.

Chris was nice and brought dinner home. I didn't want to cook and neither did I, so a night of Chipotle was nice. Yes, we love our stir fry and our mexican foods in this house. Oh, and while out at WW we found coconut M&M's! Daughter and I picked up a small pack to try together as she and I really like chocolate and coconut together.

In the reading area, I am just now about to finish up the Karen E. Olson book, Pretty In Ink. I can't wait  for the next book already! I like how the heroine isn't like every other heroine. She owns a tattoo shop, is covered in tats herself, has brother for a cop, her friends are supportive and she finds herself in all sorts of interesting situations. Fun! Next up? Not sure.

Anyway, I'm exhausted and hoping I can talk everyone into going upstairs early, which is why I'm posting early. I hope y'all had a fun and happy Friday. I wish a relaxing and lighthearted Saturday for y'all. Goodnight and Blessings, B.

Exercise: at the pace we were going through the grocery stores and the weight lifting required for flats of waters, 42lbs. of cat litter, 20lbs. of cat food and other things? I am SO counting today as an exercise day.

Pepper the Precious!

Pepper is, without a doubt by us, adorable. I took this picture the other afternoon as we were doing schoolwork. You can really see how triangular her face is in this picture. *g*

It's been a very long day. This afternoon we headed to a homeschool even at the Library on Horticulture. There was a gentleman from Clemson University there to talk to the kids and show them seed, fertilizers, different soil and such. The kids planted some zinnias on the library grounds and even some other seeds that they will watch sprout for the next couple of weeks. While there Daughter picked up another hold that had come in for me, Seaside Letters by Denise Hunter. The homeschool event was only for students in grades 1-6, so Daughter did her volunteer work while Son attended the class. Don't worry too much for her, though. I found her a Teen Writing Workshop that takes place next Friday. She's looking forward to it;  particularly since she writes fanfiction. We had to rush to leave to make it to the kids MA class across town. Don't ask me how we made it through downtown traffic in 25 minutes. No, seriously. Don't ask me, you might have to testify against me if you knew. *G* But, we made it just in time. Whew. After that we had to run by and get some fuel and then off to the other Y for me to workout. Then home where Chris arrived home from work not long after us. I made a squash casserole while Chris made my recipe for fake and bake chicken (fake fried chicken) and I folded laundry and vacuumed.
Daughter was ecstatic with the casserole, it's her favorite food. *g* We've enjoyed some time together and I've finally been online more than the ten minutes I had this afternoon before we left. *g*
As for reading? I started and finished Fate and Ms. Fortune by Saralee Rosenberg. This afternoon I took Pretty in Ink by Karen E. Olson with me and read some in Karate and some while on the bike at the Y. I hope to finish it tonight.
And that's it. I am so tired, mostly from running around so much today. I hope y'all had a stress-free, timely and thankful Thursday. Goodnight and Sweet Dreams, B.

Exercise: 10 miles on the exercise bike @ level 11 (up one level from last time), plus various weight machines.

Athena the Monkey kitty!

Do you know why I chose that title? Because Athena was playing on top of the new cat scratcher we bought the kitties a few weeks ago. She was chasing her tail, while trying to stay on top. No, really. And she's the only kitty who has sort of figured out how to lay on top of this thing.

It's been a highly stressful and depressing day. One of the strays we feed had kittens (about 5 weeks ago maximum, my opinion) and we didn't know about it. The Mama Kitty we call Alice decided to bring some of them up from the storm drains where she's keeping them. We had no idea she'd had kittens. We had no idea at all. Chris left for work as usual this morning and one darted in front of his car. It didn't make it. Chris was hysterical and crying, see, my big guy is a big softie and his heart broke this morning. He was shaking and so very upset and I had to calm him down. We buried the kitten in the back yard next to the rose bush where flowers will bloom over it and said a prayer over the spot. Chris went on to work, but I can tell he's still upset this evening. There's a sadness in his eyes that won't leave.
So, this afternoon the kids and I were surprised by a knock on the door. One of the neighbors knew we had cats and wanted to know if ours had had kittens. I said no, but told her that one of the strays we feed did. She said she'd seen another kitten next to the storm drain and wanted to know if we had known. We walked down the road together and the cutest little white and ginger kitten was climbing down into the drain when it heard us approach. Now I need to trap the Mama and all the kittens and find either a foster home for them, or take them to the humane society. Any ideas on how to accomplish this feat? We tried baiting the entrance with food, but Mama Kitty Alice is pretty darn smart and keeps moving the kittens underground AND will only come out now when no one is around. She doesn't like all the extra attention, but I am so scared for her and the kittens. And I think doing all this will also help Chris' heart heal a bit, too. He doesn't know I've written about this and the comments go to our home email, so I'm asking that y'all say a prayer for him, please. (And for the Mama and kitten and kittens.)
Because of all this I didn't go the the Y tonight, even though it meant missing Zumba. I wanted to be here for Chris and also try and catch the Mama Kitty and Kittens.
We did go about most of our day normally. The kids did their schoolwork and this evening before Chris arrived home I did a small Yoga routine while keeping an eye out the window. The kids were also watching out. But, all to no avail.
We've had a low-key evening. A simple dinner and I've read and we've watched tv together.
And in my reading? I just finished the Heather Graham book, The Killing Edge. Like with all Heather Graham books there was a murderer running rampant, a sympathetic heroine, a mysterious hero and while there was a brief visit with Adam Harrison, not as much paranormal as her other books. It was a suspenseful and nice read. Next up is the Saralee Rosenberg book.

This is where I leave y'all this evening. I hope y'all had a more cheerful and upbeat day than we did. I wish a thankful Thursday for y'all. Goodnight, B.

Exercise: 30 minutes of Yoga, my own made-up routine.

He thinks I can't see him!

Here's Butterscotch in his favorite sleeping spot. Don't be fooled by the closed eyes, he's not asleep. He just thinks if he closes his eyes and can't seem me, then I can't see him. *g* One of these days maybe he'll figure it out..... Then again, he's more pretty than smart. *g*

Another busy day here. Son's Eye Doc called this morning and his new/old glasses were in. We replaced the frames with exact replicas, so they look the same, but are brand new. His glasses are a little thicker and I fear this child will have VERY thick lenses by the time he's a teenager if he keeps growing as quickly as he is now and his eyes change as he grows. And that's WITH the poly-carb lenses. I already told Chris we'd be looking at contacts for Son when I think he's old enough to take care of them. It will be a few more years, but he'll appreciate them a lot more than Daughter would considering his eyes are, at this point, about three times worse than hers.
 After picking up the glasses this afternoon we headed back home, took care of schoolwork and I took care of a few household things. Then we headed to the library where I picked up my Inter-library loan-Fate and Ms. Fortune by Saralee Rosenberg, along with another hold- The Killing Edge by Heather Graham (which I am now almost 1/2 of the way through) and I picked up a book while there that looked very interesting- The Last Empire: South Africa Diamonds, and De Beers from Cecil Rhodes through the Oppenheimers by Stefan Kanfer. What? By now y'all know I read almost anything. *g*
We then headed to the kids Karate class, then home for a snack and back to the Y for my TurboKick class which was actually a Tae Bo-Kick class tonight because the regular instructor wasn't there (she was married last week and is on her honeymoon). I can say one thing I didn't know. The instructors have to be certified in the different classes they teach, hence the Tae Bo-Kick class tonight instead of the other. It was a fun but exhausting class. We then headed home where the kids and I watered the garden and started dinner because Chris had to work abnormal hours today.
 As for the Bateman book? I finished it last night. I liked the story, though I not only knew the premise but could have plotted the book. I didn't mind, though. The heroine was a little immature, but then again we all have a bit of immaturity in us at one time or another. As long as I saw growth in the character I didn't mind, and I did. Again, this was a Christian based book, but the message wasn't thrown in your face and for that I am appreciative. As for what I'm reading now? The Heather Graham book. *g*

And that's about all from me this evening/late evening. I'm up too late again and need to get some sleep. I hope y'all had a terrific Tuesday. I wish a wonderful and enjoyable Wednesday for y'all. Goodnight, B.

Exercise: 45 minutes of Tae Bo-Kick. She threw in some jogging around the room, too. *g*

Pepper wants to help!

Son has tests this week (like last week). And Pepper wanted to help him. Here she is with his pencil and test. I think she's pointing to the answer for Son. *g* Ah-ah-ah, Pepper. No cheating!

It's been a long day. I miss our weekend off already. *g* I've tackled laundry, vacuuming, sweeping, bug spraying, schoolwork with the kids and mopping all this afternoon. I was tired before getting to Yoga! *g* Then there was Yoga and then home to make dinner. Well, two dinners since Son didn't eat what we ate.

I haven't even had a chance to read today, though I did read a chapter last night. Sad, right, only a chapter? *sigh* Hopefully, I'll have a chance to read more tonight. Are y'all reading anything good? I have another book to pick up tomorrow from Hold at the library. *g*

Anyway, this is it from me this evening. It's getting late and have a lot more things to take care of. I hope y'all had a pleasing and sunny Monday. I wish a terrific Tuesday for y'all. Goodnight and Blessings, B.

Exercise: 1 hour Yoga.

It's only April, right?

I took this picture this afternoon. It's of Son and I in the backyard as we watched Chris dig a hole for one of the trees we bought. I know it's weird, but I liked the shadows of Son and I together. And technically, I'm posting a picture of Son. *G*

I didn't get on my computer this evening until almost 10 o'clock! We were so busy today! We left out right after lunch to go by Lowes and pick out a tree because Chris has been promising me another tree for the backyard for over a year now. I wanted a Dogwood, but they didn't have any. They didn't have any Crepe Myrtles, either. So, instead we picked up two apple trees. *g* Daughter picked them out, actually. But, Chris and I agreed. We also picked up a strawberry plant, a tomato cage and some soil to plant the trees with. We then headed to Adavance Auto where Chris finally picked up the clips needed to keep my tailgate from rattling on the inside. (A few broke about six months ago, yes, I'm just now getting him to fix them.) We then headed home and I watched Chris install the clips. He then checked my taillights because one stays bright for some reason. If it happens to be the one I installed because he wouldn't take the time to install it? Well, I'm blaming him! *G* For some reason it worked fine, but while checking it against the other one, he accidentally broke that one. *sigh* So, he had to go back out to the Auto store and pick up another tail light for me. While he was gone I mowed the lawn and somehow managed to become a little sunburned. In APRIL! It's not very bad, thank goodness. I had on my hat and sunglasses but forgot about my neck and neckline. Oops. Chris arrived back home about the time I finished and he put in my new tail light. Trust my hubs to break something while trying to fix something else. *g* I swept the road along the yard, driveway, back patio and front porch and then Chris and I headed out back to plant the trees. *g* Well, I kept him company while he planted the trees. Son soon joined us and loved trying to help his Dad. So cute.

When setting up another row to the small garden we're planting to plant the strawberry plant (geez, say that 5 times very fast) we found a cute frog (or is it a toad?). Son was quite pleased. The same Son that just two years ago would have screamed and run to hide behind me had a blast picking it up and carrying it around the yard until it was safe to put him back. Poor froggie. (And yes, I made Son wash his hands afterwards. Repeatedly.)
After all that we headed in to start dinner. One thing I love about Sundays lately? We grill. *g* Which means little to no cleanup for me. I would learn to cook on the grill, and want to, but I'm intimidated by it.
And after all that time outside guess who is dosing up on allergy meds tonight? Chris, Daughter and soon I will. Son takes his when he gets up. *g* I'm talking, or rather squeaking in a lower than usual pitch and having trouble swallowing and Chris is sneezing up a storm. Daughter is rubbing her eyes and sounds like she can't breathe through her nose. *g* Just a fun 'ol Spring evening. *g*
In my reading world? Yeah, so busy today I haven't even read the Bateman book! I'll try tonight, but can barely keep my eyes open now. So if this is long winded sorry, can't think of any way to condense it down right now.

I hope y'all had a lovely sunny Spring Sunday. I wish a delightful and pleasant return to Monday. Goodnight and Sweet Dreams, B.

Exercise: I'm counting yard work again. I was going to go to Zumba but decided to spend the time with my family instead. I enjoyed it. *g*

Demanding Layla!

I know I'm in trouble when I see this look. This is the look that tells me I need to stop whatever I'm doing and pay attention to Layla. Actually, most the time she's pretty patient, but kitties do have limits. No worries, I put the camera down and petted her. *g* And really, this face looks sweet to me.

It's been a nice day. This afternoon after lunch I planted the tomato, crook neck squash and zuchinni squash plants we picked up. And also, though I know it was too late, the blackberry bushes we bought last year but never got around to planting. (I figured what the heck, couldn't hurt, right? *g*) We then headed to the library where I picked up the second book in the Tracey Bateman trilogy (I guess I'm going about this backwards as I read the last book in the trilogy this past week.), You Had Me at Good-Bye. The premise sounds a bit predictable, but I don't mind and I meant to mention the series is Faith based, but doesn't hammer it at the reader like some. I also picked up The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisbeger. I have never read anything by this author before and didn't even see the movie (I picked it up and checked it out, but never got around to watching it before I had to return it to the library.), but thought I'd give it a try. After the library we headed to the bookstore where I picked up the latest RT magazine, Pretty in Ink: A Tatto Shop Mystery by Karen E. Olson and Demonfire by Kate Douglas. I now have four books to hold me until the library gets in some more of my holds. *g*
We then headed to Mass and afterwards we went by Target to try and find a pair of shorts each, for the kids. (Ahh, growing kids!) We found a cute cargo pair for Son, but all the shorts for Daughter's size were a bit brief and she's a modest gal (Thank God!) so didn't like them. But, we did find her a cute tee shirt. We then tried Academy Sports and she chose four different pair to try on. However, we didn't really like any of them so while in the dressing room I checked out the return rack and found two more pair for her to try on. She loved one pair and we picked them up for her. We then headed home and have enjoyed a quiet evening. The kids played games on the computer and Chris and I relaxed a bit before he took apart the tv attachments and placed all the wires in a type of hose he picked up to keep Fireball from chewing on them.
As for reading? I had to put the book down I had been reading. It has turned into a DNF, at least for now, I may attempt it again later. It was so slow going, dragging, and I couldn't keep from comparing to another author's books that I enjoy much more. I feel bad, which is why I haven't mentioned the title or author of the book I had to "put down". I WILL try it again later, though. Since heading upstairs I've started the Tracey Bateman book I picked up at the library today. I was about two chapters in before I realized I hadn't posted. Oops.
Oh, meant to mention the new modem is up and operational. It's very small, not much bigger than an iPod Touch or blackberry. And since installing it we've had no issues with slow or nonexistent internet connection.

Ah, time for sleep. I'm tired as it's been a pretty full day. I hope y'all had an enjoyable and relaxing Saturday. I wish a peaceful and restful Sunday for y'all. Goodnight and Blessings, B.

Exercise: Nope. Zumba tomorrow!

Layla suns herself!

Another day, another patch of sun to take advantage of. At least that must be what Layla is thinking in this picture. Along with "good golly why won't she stop taking my picture!"

Funny thing today, the kids and I actually left the house before Chris left for work this morning! He had to adjust his hours to teach a late class this evening and therefore went in a bit later than usual, just after the kids and I left for Daughter's Doctor appointment.
Speaking of Daughter? Things are progressing well with Daughter's healing. She should continue to see improvement and if not-we are to call and an appointment will be made with a surgeon. Keep your fingers crossed please. I know I am.
Arriving back home after the Doc appoinment (no, I didn't go by the bookstore) we set to work doing schoolwork and were done in good time. When the kids stepped out to play I vacuumed, did some laundry and worked out in the yard. By the time Chris arrived home this evening I was tired. I decided to leave dinner up to him this evening. *g*
As for reading? I read a few more chapters in the Kylie Brant book. Not much more than that. I haven't quite finished it, hopefully this evening. As for what to read when I'm done? No clue. I'm hoping I find something at the library this weekend.
That's all from me. It's been a nice-at home-day. I hope y'all have had an enjoyable and fun Friday. I wish an amusing and relaxing Saturday for y'all. Goodnight and Sweet Dreams, B.

Exercise: I'm counting the yard work because I worked up a sweat! *g*

Adorable Pepper!

It's really hard to not take a cute picture of Pepper. This one is self explanatory. Where there is a paper bag there will be a cat. (Though a few of mine like plastic bags, too.) Chris said you can hardly see her face, just her eyes and her bell. And that bell? Is very, very important. *g*

Here's a funny thing. So, last night we could barely get online, Chris did a few speed tests and then called AT&T. They couldn't even connect to the modem from their end and informed us that in all probability it's dying. Ok. Seems to fit the situation. I could barely get on to post last night and as a matter of fact my first post was lost somewhere in cyber-space. The AT&T people tell us our modem is almost 6 years old and they're sending us a new one. Um, okay?
Today? The modem has been working fine. *headthunk* Ya know, because I really don't have enough stress going on. However, the new modem should be here tomorrow and then we should see better speeds. I won't hold my breath.
Today we've done Karate and then headed back to our Y for me to workout. I've done laundry, helped the kids with their schoolwork, taken them to Karate and back and exercised and even made dinner tonight. I did all this with one heck of a sinus headache. I'm just glad my voice came back this afternoon, I could barely talk this morning. I really don't like pollen. Bleh.
I have had a small amount of time to read today. I found an emergency book in my gym bag! Y'all have one of those, right? A book you tuck into a bag to take with you? I haven't had to use my gym bag since we've had really nice weather because I haven't had to change. I started Walking Evil (The Mindhunters) by Kylie Brant. This book is one in a trilogy featuring The Mindhunters. I'm really enjoying it and it's weird how it reminds me of a Heather Graham book. Oh, and last night I finished the other book I was reading that I had picked up from the library yesterday, That's (Not Exactly) Amore by Tracey Bateman. (Part of the post that was lost.)
Tomorrow we go back to the Doctor for Daughter so they can see how the antibiotic is doing and hopefully progressing. Cross your fingers, please.

Anyway, that's it from me this evening. I hope y'all had a fun day. (We had rain and tornado warnings.) I wish an enjoyable and fantastic Friday for y'all. Goodnight, B.

Exercise: 10.10 miles on the bike @ level 10 and various weight machines.

Pepper Sacks Out, Again!

Our modem is in it's final death throws, a huge surprise to us. A new modem should be here within the next day or so. Please take care of yourselves and know that if I am keeping each of you in my prayers. I leave y'all, for now, with this adorable picture of Pepper.  B..

This picture is of the boys enjoying a patch of sunlight in the LR this past weekend. I think it's funny and cute that cats love these patches of sunlight so much. And even cuter when two decide to share as buddies. Pictured here are Midnight and Butterscotch.

I'm not feeling very chipper again this evening since it's so late and I'm just now getting a chance to post and settle down for the night. Daughter went back to the Doc this afternoon, but the appointment lasted all of 5 minutes max. The Doc wants Daughter to come back on Friday since there wasn't a whole lot of change and was nice enough to make sure the billing office didn't charge us for the visit. After that the kids and I had lunch with Chris, a nice treat for all of us. Then I grabbed some fuel for the jeep and the kids and I headed to Karate. After that we stopped by the house for a snack (and for me to move loads of laundry from one machine to another) and then we headed back to the Y for my Zumba class. We then headed home where I made dinner because Chris had to teach a late class.
This evening I've put laundry away and buzzed Son's hair. Chris and Son now have the same haircut- a Military 'high and tight'.
As for reading? I picked up Hero at Large by Janet Evanovich last week when we were grocery shopping and read it today. It was okay, and you can see the roots of her later books with glints of humor, the "Grandmother" figure and and HEA. A nice read, but I felt vaguely meh about it. I think it's because it was her first book-EVER. I liked Rocky Road to Romance and Love Overbard much better. As for what to read next? No clue, I'm out of books again. The library better get busy and get a few of my holds in.
This is it for me. I hope y'all had a terrific Tuesday. I wish a wonderful and smile-filled Wednesday for y'all. Goodnight and Sweet Dreams, B.

Exercise: 1 hour Zumba.

Layla relaxes!

Layla was just hanging around on the back of my chair enjoying the warm weather one day this past week when I took this picture. Doesn't she just look thrilled? I keep telling her she's known around the United States now, but I don't think she's impressed.

I'm not feeling very chipper this evening. I am feeling exhausted. Friday evening (of course, right?) Daughter informed me that she had two small bumps under her arm. She downplayed them so well I figured they were caused by the heat and just warned her to keep extra clean with the heat we've been having. Saturday? They had doubled in size. Sunday? They had tripled so we made sure to get her an appointment at the Doctors office this morning. She had two cysts most probably caused by a Staph infection (Where the HECK did that come from? Especially with me, the neat freak.) The Doctor drained them (Uck! Btw, unlike me Daughter has a high pain tolerance and I am SO proud of her for behaving as well as she did.) We were given a prescription for antibiotics and told to come back tomorrow so she could be checked.
We immediately filled the prescription and headed home to do schoolwork. We were home for about two hours. Long enough to grab lunch, handle some schoolwork and for me to do some laundry. Then we had to head out to Son's Eye Doctor appointment. It's a good news bad news thing with Son's appointment. The good news? He behaved well on his own with the Eye Doc and our insurance covers a good portion of the exam and a new pair of glasses. The bad news? His vision prescription changed for the worse, very much so. Though he's been wearing his glasses constantly. The Eye Doc told me that because he's growing, his eye is reshaping and growing with him and that means his vision will get worse every single year until he stops growing. When I asked how bad his vision could get the Doctor said something about Son will be knocking on my door. Meaning his eyes will be as bad as, if not worse, than mine. Yikes. Poor baby. The other bad news? Though our vision insurance covers a good portion it did not cover all and glasses with poly-carb lenses with anti-glare coating are not inexpensive.
 After the Eye Doc we headed back home to finish up schoolwork and I vacuumed and cleaned until it was time to leave for Yoga. *sigh* While Yoga was nice it has not cleared up my stress this evening. I am worried about Daughter and would appreciate some good thoughts for her, please.
As for reading? I finished the Beth Ciotta book. The heroine was great and the responses believable. The  plot was nicely executed and I really enjoyed it. Next up? Who knows. *sigh* I am so darn exhausted and so much more to do that I'm not even sure I'll get a chance to read tonight.

Anyway, I hope y'all had a good Monday filled with smiles and pleasing times. I wish a terrific Tuesday for y'all. Goodnight, B.

Exercise: 1 hour Yoga.

Daredevil Kitty!

I don't know if y'all can tell in this picture, but Fireball has one paw on the door frame and the other on the wall with his back paws on the cabinet. He tried very hard to open the door and came quite close to trying to balance on TOP of the door. *sigh* Not like I started to freak out or anything....... *g*


It's been a peaceful and lovely Easter Sunday. We made it to Mass on time this morning, as a matter of fact we were about half an hour early and it was a good thing because it became packed with at least 50 people standing along the sides. I woke achey and with a sore throat and headache. Either my allergies are trying to knock me down to stay down for a while, or I have some weird kind of cold. But, I knew without a doubt that if I didn't get up and get everybody in gear the whole family would stay home.
After Mass we headed home to start our dinner. We didn't have to do the whole family dinner thing this year because MIL wasn't feeling well and we couldn't get there before 2:30pm and they like to eat at around 12:30pm. We were more than fine with it, though. We popped a ham in to cook and Chris headed to WW to look for the Wii remote reader. However, they didn't have one at the WW he fist went to so he went to another. They had one, but it was wireless and ran on batteries. I don't think guys get it that batteries run out fast when you have kids and that they can cost a small fortune, so I nixed that idea when he called. Oh, well. He'll try Best Buy sometime this week. While Chris was gone I decided to change up part of our landscaping for the front yard. We had stones (concrete) around the two trees in the front yard and they just aren't helping to keep the bark around the trees in place, so I removed them all. I could only fit one in each hand so had to make numerous trips! *G* By the time I was done I was sweating and one of the trees decided to try and yank a hank of my hair out. Ouch. But, I think everything in the front yard looks much better now. I also trimmed a few branches off the flowering crab-apple tree and sawed a dead branch off the river birch. After that I had to head in. I was hot, sweating and needed to check on the ham.
I had to give in on the AC this afternoon. I made a deal with Chris we could turn on the AC if it reached 85 degrees in the house. It did. He got his AC. As a matter of fact, the weather here was gorgeous today. We reached around 83 with a "feels like" of 90. *g*
Chris made his from scratch recipe of mac-n-cheese-YUM! With the ham, garlic green beans and yeast rolls? Fabulous dinner! *g*
I haven't even had time to crack a book open today. The Out-laws dropped in for about 2 hours on top of everything else (add in some laundry some where in there) so I am hoping I get a chance to read when we go to bed. If I don't fall over first. *g*

And this is where I leave y'all, because believe it or not my evening isn't even close to being over. I have a few more things, or a few dozen more things to take care of. I hope y'all have had a lovely, delightful and Blessed Easter Sunday. I wish a stress-free and pleasant Monday for y'all. Goodnight and Sweet Dreams, B.

Exercise: Yard work.

Midnight the Goober!

Midnight is, as I've said before, a Goober. Here he is on my bathroom counter. Notice anything different? Can y'all see the white powder on his face and chest? He sat down on my counter to wait for Chris to have his shower last night and leaned up against the bath powder we have there. Dingbat Cat! (No worries, we brushed him off after grabbing this picture.)

I'm glad I remembered that we needed to pick up Son a new pair of pants for Church! We headed to Old Navy and found a nice pair and a pair of flip-flops for him to wear to the pool this summer. After that we headed to Payless to find Daughter some new sandals since it's been so warm here lately and then grocery shopping. Fun! I had to send Chris back out this evening to pick up Easter things for the kids because with Spring Break and Easter being in the same week the kids have been glued to me even more so than usual. Oh, and before everything else we ran by the library to pick up a book that had come in from Hold for me, Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins, a YA and new-to-me author. This book looks interesting and hopefully fun.

This evening? Nothing much going on, to be honest. The kids were outside until dark enjoying the nice weather we're having. We did find out one of the kitties has chewed through a small wire for the Wii remote reader and will have to pick up another one sometime soon. (I have no idea what the thing is really called, all I know is it sits on top of the tv and reads the Wii-mote motions.) We have a good idea of which cat did it (Fireball-a.k.a "the goat").

As for reading? I read and finished Tsunami Blue by Gayle Ann Williams and have since picked up All About Evie by Beth Ciotta. I'm not very far into the book, but the heroine is fun and spunky and I like her so far.

That's it from me. It's late and we have an early day planned. I hope y'all had a good Saturday. Sorry about the boring-ness (Yes, it's a word and if it isn't I'm making it one. *g*) of the post. I wish a Blessed and Peaceful Easter Sunday for y'all. Goodnight, B.

Exercise: no. Maybe I'll talk Chris into a walk tomorrow.

Spring is pollenating the air!

This picture is of the flowering crab-apple tree we planted in the front yard. While the flowers and buds are cute, the smell of them will become overpowering within the next two weeks. I wish I'd known that before I planted it! However, right now we're enjoying the first blooms.

I've just been tired today. I'm pretty stressed out, so at least I understand why. I handled the dreaded chore of making up a two week menu this afternoon. It's dreaded because I'm tired of the same old things week after week and can't vary too greatly because while I enjoy foods like quiche and baked potatoes and salads for dinners, the kids? Not so much. (I'm one of those that does not have to have meat in every meal, unlike the hubs.) What about y'all, meat lovers or don't have to have every night?
I've handled even more laundry today and vacuumed and swept the house as well. Daughter handled spraying for bugs outside for me and I did the inside. (It's that time of year, EVERYTHING is waking up. Uck!)
To give the kids extra time to play outside with their friends today I waited until Chris was off work and home early this evening before gathering everyone up and heading to Aldi and Sam's. Tomorrow will have to be for the rest of the groceries at WW because everything wouldn't have fit into Chris' car. *g*
After heading home we had a light meal, because when we have days where it's 86 degrees outside, I don't feel like a hot dinner. And I haven't turned the AC on yet. I'm waiting to see how long we can wait. *g* The upstairs is stuffy this evening, but nothing opening a few windows for a little bit won't help, along with the ceiling fans in each bedroom. How about y'all? When do you usually turn on the AC?
In the area of reading I just finished (as in about 10 minutes ago) Don't Kill The Messenger by Eileen Rendahl. The story seemed to lag in some places, but the action made up for it. The lead character is supposedly attracted to three different men, but to me it only seemed as though it were two and even then so far she has chosen one of them. I guess if there's another book there could be further angst over that.
I haven't picked what's up next. I haven't a clue what I'm in the mood for.

That's it from me this evening. I am having one of those feeling sorry for myself feelings tonight. Do, I need to go grab some cuddle time with the hubs, or at least one of the cats if he's asleep. I hope y'all had an enjoyable and happy Friday. I wish an amusing and relaxing Saturday for y'all. Goodnight, B.

Exercise: no.

Butterscotch FREAKING ME OUT!

Y'all know I have no problem with the kitties getting on top of my cabinets. I look at it as getting them dusted for me by the kitties. What does bother me is that Butterscotch, the loon, if spoken to will roll all over the top of the cabinet and come perilously close to FALLING OFF. Gah! (Lucky for him he still has all 9 of his lives. *g*)

It's been a busy, busy day. But, best of all, the weather has been superb. We hit 85 degrees and sunny today and it was nice. I just wish I'd been able to enjoy it more, as do the kids. We had to visit the library this afternoon before the kids MA class and was chatting with one of our favorite librarians who let me know that they've started a few Homeschooling events at our library, YAY! The next one is on the 15th of this month and someone from one of our local colleges will be demonstrating seed planting and the kids will be making their own little pots and such. AND I found a teen writing workshop for Daughter!
After the library the kids and I headed to the other Y for their 2nd MA class of the week. Did it happen to be the ONE day the instructor asks if the kids could stay late? We HAD to leave on time today, we had to meet Chris at home and then head to Mass. Which, luckily their teacher understood and we made it home just in time. Whew.
The rest of the evening is part of the loooong part of the day. Mass was almost 2 hours and then we had to grab something for dinner and head home. We ate very late and I'm glad this doesn't happen often because my whole routine was thrown off. *g* After heading upstairs for the evening I wish I could say I've relaxed, but no. I've done 3 loads of laundry and even grabbed a head start on the ironing since this weekend promises to be busy. As a matter of fact, while Chris slept I have washed and ironed the same outfit he wore today. I wonder if he'll freak out a bit when he see's it hanging there in the morning? Is it bad that I'm kinda hoping he does? *G* I love tripping him up like that every now and then. It's part of what makes marriage fun. *G*
As for reading? Last night I stayed up late finishing the D.D. Barant book, Death Blows. I was sad to see the end of a favorite character, but have hopes the situation can perhaps be salvaged. Sorry to sound so vague, but I don't like to give spoilers. Though I think I am the only one of the lovely readers of this blog who actually reads these books. *G* Now I'm reading Don't Kill the Messenger by Eileen Rendahl. This is a new-to-me author and the book has an interesting premise. The heroine is a messenger, a kind of go-between for the supernatural world. She became one when she died for a few minutes when she was three years old. She's now between the human world and the "arcane" world. I'm a bit less than halfway through the book and am liking it so far. I had to pick this book next because it's a library book and a NEW library book meaning I can only have it for two weeks. *g*

That's it from me. I'm up way too late and am pretty much aching all over. I hope y'all had a Thankful and Thoughtful Thursday. I wish a fabulous and enjoyable Friday! Goodnight, B.

Exercise: If stress were an olympic sport I'd be carrying gold right now, no time for exercise today.